During the 21st Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit held in Baton Rouge, LA, Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, was elected to serve a full, two-year term as a member of the NASC Executive Council (EC). Established in 2004 by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), NASC provides the synergy to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, trapping, and professional fish and wildlife management in state capitols. With more than 2,000 legislators who are members of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses from all 50 states, this unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen legislators provides the nexus and support among the state caucuses that is critical to the successful advancement of pro-sportsmen policies across the nation. Working with staff at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), the EC assists with the establishment and promotion of pro-sportsmen ideas, and facilitates the sharing of information between state caucuses, conservation partners and allied industries. "Hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions have been a cornerstone of my life, instilling values of sportsmanship and respect for nature. In Oklahoma, these activities are more than pastimes – they are a way of life that unites us and preserves our state's rich heritage," Archer said. The EC plays a critical role in the protection and advancement of hunting and angling rights and the continuation of our sportsmen’s heritage by establishing the activities of NASC, assisting with policy development, setting guidelines for affiliated state caucuses, as well as media outreach intended to highlight the role hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit our nation’s social and economic well-being. "I would be remiss if I did not thank my friend and former legislator, Kevin Wallace. Kevin opened the door for me to this incredible opportunity. I am humbled to carry the torch for Oklahoma and the central United States," said Archer.
Ninety-nine members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives took their oaths of office Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the House Chamber. The oath was administered by the Honorable Dustin P. Rowe, vice chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. One member took the oath of office Monday and a second member will take the oath of office at a later time. The House will consist of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats. There are 17 new members and 84 returning members. Newly-elected Republicans include Mark Chapman, House District 12; Tim Turner, House District 15; Jonathan Wilk, House District 20; Ryan Eaves, House District 22; Derrick Hildebrant, House District 23; Jim Shaw, House District 32; Molly Jenkins, House District 33; Stacy Jo Adams, House District 50; Jason Blair, House District 53; Mike Kelley, House District 60; Rob Hall, House District 67; Mike Lay, House District 68; Emily Gise, House District 90; and Gabe Woolley, House District 98. Newly-elected Democrats include Michelle McCane, House District 72; Ron Stewart, House District 73; and Ellen Pogemiller, House District 88. The full House will officially convene for an organizational day on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, and the First Session of the 60th Legislature reconvenes on Monday, Feb. 3.
Oklahoma House Republicans this week elected their new caucus leadership for the upcoming 60th Legislature. The 81 Republicans maintain their supermajority in the House. Newly elected caucus leadership includes: Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow, as Caucus Chair Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, as Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, as Caucus Secretary "I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve for a second term," May said. "I look forward to working with our new legislative leaders on pressing issues such as economic development, educational improvements and public safety." This is May's second term as Caucus Chair and fourth term in office. During the previous Legislature, May also served as vice chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Judiciary. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the House Republican Caucus, my district and the people of Oklahoma," Archer said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues toward a shared vision and dedication to the conservative principles Oklahomans value." Archer, a second-term legislator, served as vice chair of the House General Government Committee as a freshman lawmaker. Before being elected to the House, he served two terms as mayor of Elk City. "I appreciate the trust placed in me to serve in this role," Cantrell said. "The House is in an excellent position to address critical issues facing our state, and I am optimistic about the future of our caucus, our state and our country." Cantrell, also a second-term legislator, previously served as Marshall County Commissioner for District 2. During the previous Legislature, he was vice chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee. Archer and Cantrell succeed Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, and Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, in their respective positions. Representatives were officially sworn in on Wed., Nov. 20. The full House will formally vote on its next Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore during Organizational Day on Jan. 7, 2025. The first session of the 60th Legislature convenes on Feb. 3.